Hinduism is one of the oldest and most widely practiced religions in the world. It is one of the four major religions of Asia, and traces its origins back to the Vedic period of the ancient Indian subcontinent. The core of Hinduism is the spiritual path of inner knowledge and self-discovery, and its adherents are in search of inner peace and the realization of God. But the most unique feature of Hinduism is the fact that it does not place emphasis on a “personal” God, or on a single God that is worshipped in a set of doctrines. Instead, Hinduism encourages its followers to seek out and experience “God within”—or, as it is sometimes called, Brahman.
The term Brahman refers to the universal principle of oneness and wholeness, the cosmic being that pervades the universe. In Hinduism, the search for the God-within—or the inner experience of Brahman that is available to all—is known as “self-realization.” This self-awareness is the ultimate goal of Hinduism and the secret to experiencing the divine. To this end, Hinduism provides a number of practices and paths that can lead to self-realization, such as meditation, breathing practices, rituals and offerings, chanting, and other forms of devotion that can help open the heart and mind to receive the presence of God.
For those seeking to find God within, Hinduism also provides an array of teachings and practices. One of these is focus on the deity of one’s choice. This is often done through ritual offerings to particular aspect of the divine and devotion to a particular form of the divine, such as Vishnu, Shiva, or Mother Nature. By focusing on one particular deity or aspect of the divine, one can learn to surrender to the divine presence, and to sense its ever-abiding presence in one’s life and in the world at large.
Another method of finding God within is through the practice of yoga. This ancient practice of postures and breathing techniques not only strengthens the body and mind, but also provides a path to self-inquiry, allowing the practitioner to experience the depths of his or her true nature and to come into greater alignment with the divine. Yoga also helps to bring about mental clarity and clarity of thought, preparing the mind for deeper contemplation and for the experience of the divine.
Finally, study of the scriptures is also an important part of the Hindu path of self-realization. The Upanishads, the Puranas, and other scriptures offer insight into the nature of the divine and the journey to God’s oneness—revealing the wonders that lie beyond. Thus, through the study of Scripture and other practices, one can seek out and experience God-consciousness or the divine within.
Contemplation of One’s Self
In Hinduism, the path of self-realization also involves the practice of contemplation and self-inquiry. Through the practice of self-reflection, one can ponder one’s true nature and learn to let go of the ego-self and the attachments of the material world and attach themselves to the divine. This contemplation allows one to experience the spiritual quest or journey to oneness with the divine, and eventually to experience a deep union or bliss-consciousness of the divine. In this contemplation, one is said to experience the true love, compassion, and joy that is the essence of God.
Cultivating Compassion
The practice of cultivating compassion for oneself and for the world is also important on the path to self-realization. By recognizing one’s own sufferings and growing in compassion for oneself, one can begin to cultivate true compassion for the world and its inhabitants. Through this practice of self-compassion and compassion for all, one can learn to open one’s self to the love and grace of the divine and to experience a deep connection to the divine.
Intentional Practice and Surrender
The search for God within also requires intentional practice, reflection, and surrender. One must make time and space to practice, reflecting on the specific practices that one has chosen, such as meditation, breathwork, scriptural study, and contemplation. This intentional practice of self-inquiry helps to open one’s self to the divine, allowing one to let go of the ego-self and its attachments and come into alignment with the divine.
Service as a Path to Finding God
Finally, service is an important part of the Hindu spiritual path. When one offers service, it signifies a recognition of one’s connectedness and interdependence with all life and demonstrates a commitment to the divine. This service can be through social action, through charitable work, through volunteerism, or through any form of meaningful service that contributes to the world in a compassionate and constructive way. Through service, one can experience firsthand the love and joy of selfless giving that reveals the true nature of God.
It’s An Inside Job
Finding God within requires a willingness to go on an inner journey of self-inquiry, reflection, practice, contemplation, and surrender. It involves a commitment to let go of ego-attachment and let the divine come in. This inner journey can be a difficult and sometimes challenging one, but it can also be a rewarding pursuit that results in the realization of one’s true nature and the divine. Just as the saying goes, the search for God is an “inside job”—a process of inner exploration and discovery that provides an opportunity for intimate connection with the divine.
Tapping Into Grace
Finding God also involves the practice of letting go and allowing grace to enter. By taking the time to pause and surrender to the divine, one can learn to trust the divine grace that lies within and to allow that grace to work in one’s life. By opening to grace, one can trust the divine order and intelligence that resides within, and can come to experience a deep sense of harmony with the divine.
Embodying the Divine
Finally, finding God involves connecting with and living from the divine presence that resides within. It involves inviting the divine within and building an inner strength and resilience from drawing from the divine’s grace and love. By embodying the divine, one can experience a sense of peace, inner knowing, and joy—as well as a deep connection to the divine—that transforms one life and one’s experience of the world.
Growing Into Oneness
Ultimately, the search for God within Hinduism is a process of gradually growing into oneness with the divine. It involves opening oneself to the divine and to the truth that lies within. It requires patience, practice, and dedication to the spiritual path—but in exchange, it offers a deep sense of connection with the divine and a life of love and joy.
